Pocock Singles

Pocock Classic Cedar Singles
News & Comment
10/28/09

Don Costello travelog
Don intends to become "the first of the Pocock Classic sponsors (the "Pocock Eight") to acquire a Pocock Classic cedar single with the intent to row it hard and to race it." He has embarked on a trip across the country, rowing his new Pocock Classic Cedar Single, "Better Angel", at every opportunity. He has kindly offered to take us along by sending us periodic letters and pictures which we will link to this page.
Click HERE for Don's travelog or blog.
If you have comments or questions click here and we will pass them on to Don.

With permission from Rex Wilson, PDN
Read article in Peninsula Daily News.
From: Don Costello
To: Steve Chapin and Dianne Roberts
Sent: Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Subject: Better Angel
Dear Steve and Dianne:
Yesterday I gave the boat its first hard workout, at Suttle Lake. It is a joy to row. I felt comfortable at both ends of the stroke with the stretchers showing one hole to the stern.

Geometry including pitch and height is right. The boat favors a deliberate and soft catch (as Co Rentmeester would say, as the blades "caress the water") and encourages acceleration through the drive. My Croker hatchet blades complement the boat perfectly. The boat is challenging and wants to be rowed well. Sitting empty in the water next to the dock, it is absolutely level. When rowed, it holds the set well and feels much lighter than composite racing shells that weigh less. It springs away from the release, runs far and tracks true. Fore-and-aft rocker is nil. Goodies and custom touches include: comfortable seat (I usually use a pad and won't need one with this boat); stretcher tighteners that are kind on the fingers; every material and joint meticulously conceived and executed; rare and superior woods; matched grain on the hull; etc.
Most importantly from a competitor's standpoint, the boat is very fast. I look forward to racing in it. Steve Chapin is to be commended. He is really onto something. The boat is both art and competitive machine. It is in a class of its own, worthy of the Pocock name and transcendent in many respects. Steve put a lot of wisdom, experience and love into this rare craft. It is a privilege to be in its care.
Don Owen Costello

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